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Robustness and mode selectivity in parity-time (PT) symmetric lasers
M H Teimourpour1, M Khajavikhan2, D N Christodoulides2
1Department of Physics and Henes Center for Quantum Phenomena, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA.
Scientific Reports
|September 9, 2017
Summary
Parity-time (PT) symmetric photonic molecule lasers show robust single mode operation, outperforming single microresonators. Loss engineering offers control over mode selectivity for advanced laser design.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Quantum Optics
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Photonic molecule lasers offer unique light-matter interaction properties.
- Parity-time (PT) symmetry provides a novel approach to control laser dynamics and stability.
- Single longitudinal mode operation is crucial for many laser applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the robustness of single longitudinal mode operation in PT symmetric photonic molecule lasers against spectral hole burning.
- To explore the potential for enhanced mode selectivity in these PT symmetric systems.
- To compare the stability of PT symmetric photonic molecule lasers with conventional microresonator lasers.
Main Methods:
- Numerical integration of nonlinear rate equations.
- Linear stability analysis.
- Investigation across a range of design parameters, including free spectral range (FSR).
Main Results:
- A second threshold was identified, beyond which single mode operation becomes unstable, leading to multimode dynamics.
- PT symmetric lasers with larger FSR demonstrate robust single mode operation even at higher gain levels.
- PT symmetric photonic molecule lasers exhibit superior robustness compared to single microresonator counterparts.
- Challenges in achieving stable single mode operation in longer lasers with smaller FSR due to nonlinear modal interactions were highlighted.
Conclusions:
- PT symmetric photonic molecule lasers offer enhanced stability for single mode operation.
- Design parameters like FSR significantly influence operational robustness.
- Loss engineering presents a viable strategy for precise control over mode selectivity, enabling tunable lasing action.
